WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

The holidays are incredibly wasteful and don’t we all know it.

Wrapping paper, gift boxes, satin bows and tape, pine trees rotting in our homes in a decorative drape, green halos of fallen pine needles on our floors, and wreaths made of once-fresh greenery drying up on our doors. It’s really quite shocking to realize the waste, but once you do, you may feel compelled to act more sustainably in a haste.

Today, at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, the Long Beach Office of Sustainability in partnership with LBPL has risen to the occasion by offering a sustainable wreath-making workshop. Participants will learn how to make the ubiquitous circular decoration out of natural or reused materials, all provided by the workshop, which is completely free. You’re encouraged, but not at all obligated, to bring in your own materials, especially if they’re natural or sustainable to wrap into what will be provided.

Another great thing: If you can’t make it today, there are two more workshops this month on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library and on Thursday, Dec. 19, also at 4:30 p.m., at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library.

Giving us a moment’s pause: It’s technically a gardening workshop, but why not get creative? Make a wreath out of leftover tissue paper or worn out dust rags or even plastic? There’s so much you can do! And you can use it again and again!

Gardening Workshop: Sustainable Wreaths is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library; 1401 E. Anaheim St. For more info and workshops, visit the event page here.